What does Falljökull mean?

Falljökull translates to 'falling glacier' in Icelandic, named for its steep descent from the Vatnajökull ice cap. The glacier drops sharply and looks like a frozen cascade.

Can you hike on Falljökull?

Yes, guided glacier hikes are available on Falljökull. The steep terrain makes for a harder hike than on flatter glaciers. All equipment is provided by tour operators.

Where exactly is Falljökull?

Falljökull is in the Skaftafell area of Vatnajökull National Park, near Svínafellsjökull and Skaftafellsjökull. It is accessible from the Skaftafell visitor center area.

How difficult is hiking on Falljökull?

Falljökull hikes are moderately challenging due to the steeper terrain. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended. Guided tours adapt routes based on conditions and group ability.

How does Falljökull differ from nearby glaciers?

Falljökull has a steeper gradient than Skaftafellsjökull or Svínafellsjökull, so the ice descends in a cascade rather than a flat tongue. The terrain on guided hikes is correspondingly steeper.

Falljökull: the Falling Glacier

The "falling glacier": a steep Vatnajökull outlet in the Skaftafell area that drops sharply from the ice cap, with more demanding guided hiking than its neighbors.

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org travel deskEditorial policy

Region

Southeast Iceland

In Skaftafell, Vatnajökull National Park.

Falljökull earns its name ("falling glacier") from the steep angle at which it descends from the Vatnajökull ice cap. The ice appears to tumble down the mountainside, breaking into ridges and crevasses along the way. It sits in the Skaftafell area alongside better-known neighbors, and its guided hikes are slightly more demanding.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

The steep terrain of Falljökull demands a certified guide and full glacier equipment. Never approach the glacier independently; crevasses are hidden and conditions change fast.

Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.

Official sources to check

Best for

Steep ice + adventure

More challenging terrain than flatter outlet glaciers.

Access

Skaftafell area

Near Skaftafellsjökull and Svínafellsjökull.

Pro tip

Combine with neighbors

Visit multiple glaciers in one Skaftafell trip.

What to Expect

A steeply descending glacier tongue from Vatnajökull
Ice formations shaped by the steep gradient
Moderately challenging guided hikes with full equipment provided
Deep crevasses and ice ridges along the steep descent
Panoramic views of Skaftafell and surrounding mountain peaks
Blue ice features more prominent in winter months

Nearby Attractions

Svínafellsjökull glacier (Interstellar and Game of Thrones filming location)
Svartifoss basalt column waterfall (45 min hike)
Skaftafell visitor center and extensive hiking trail network
Skaftafellsjökull glacier (easy viewing from the parking area)
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach (45 min east)
Morsárfoss , Iceland's tallest waterfall, visible from Kristínartindar

How to Get There

About 330 km from Reykjavik via Route 1 to Skaftafell
Parking at Skaftafell visitor center
Tour operators transport from meeting point to glacier
Regular car sufficient on Route 1
Combine with other Skaftafell glacier tours

Best Time to Visit

Year-round glacier hiking available
Summer for longest daylight and easier access
Winter for blue ice formations
Book tours at least a few days ahead
Check weather; tours may cancel in severe conditions

Planning help

Falljokull (Falljökull) Glacier FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

All glaciers